I decided to finally finish up some stained glass projects that have been sitting unfinished on my craft desk for 2 years. Yes, 2 years! I really have no excuse for such horrible procrastination. 

Here they are:

I'm sure I am not the only one who has unfinished craft projects out there.  I'm in no place to judge.  All I can say is that it does feel rewarding to bite the bullet and finish them up :) Happy crafting!

I had one of those weeks at work that was just brutal.

One of those weeks where you have too much work and not enough time. 

One of those weeks when you can't finish a single thing you start because you are constantly being interrupted.

One of those weeks when you feel like you are not benefiting anyone.

One of those weeks when you wonder why you work in long term care.

Then something nice happens..........

One of the family members brought me a bouquet of flowers with a card that said "Thank you for your kindness". 

That sentiment made all of the stress and doubts of the week take a back seat.  This is why I do this job.  To try and make a difficult time in someone's life a little bit easier.  I work with a team of amazing people who care about other people and do all they can to help them.  No, everything is not perfect and it never will be but there are many times when all of our efforts contribute to improve someone's quality of life and it makes all of our hard work worth it.

Sleigh Riding

I took the kids sleigh riding at the Viaduct yesterday.  (This is the same viaduct that is in the opening scene of Michael Clayton where George Clooney's car blows up)

 First it was the long walk up the hill.

Then the girls went down the hill.

 Then the train went by and I got distracted.

 Then Matt used his sled as a snowboard.

 Then the girls went backwards and Matt tried to catch them.

Good times!

Grandma Lee's Sour Cream Coffee Cake

What is it about snow storms that makes one want to bake?  I don't know either.  This is what I baked during yesterday's storm for breakfast this morning.  

Here's the recipe:

 Sour Cream Coffee Cake

1/2 pound butter
1 cup sugar
3 Eggs
2 cups flour
1tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cream butter and 1 cup of sugar. Sift flour and other dry ingredients and add to creamed butter and sugar.  Mix in sour cream and vanilla until well mixed.  Combine brown and white remaining sugar, cinnamon and nuts.  Pour half of cake mixture into a pan which has been prepared with butter and flour. ( I used a 7 by 11 pan)  Sprinkle on half of sugar and cinnamon mixture.  Pour on remaining cake mix followed by remaining sugar mixture. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes.  I found 45 minutes to be perfect. Enjoy!

Grace necklace

This is my Grace necklace.  It is named after my dear friend.  When I am in a tizzy about one thing or another Grace always reminds me to step back and remember that if something needs to happen (or not) it will because "It's the Lord's will".  I would say that Grace is wise behind her years but since she is in her early 90's I think she is just wise.  When I think about our age difference I can't help but be in awe by the fact that she has already lived more than twice as long as I have.  I can't begin to imagine about what roads my life will take in the years until I am 90!  I think that we have so much to learn from those who have lived so many years.  Don't underestimate the elderly in your life.  Stop and take the time to listen to them.  You might just learn something.

 

Cricut Love

I am taking baby steps and learning about my new Cricut.  Every time I use it I think "This machine is AMAZING!!" I know it can do many wonderful things but I am still learning.  Even these simple projects made me happy :)

A little bit lighter

Every day when I leave work at 5 o'clock I feel so happy when I walk out the door.  Not because I am leaving work and going home (although that makes me happy too), but because it is a little bit lighter out every day.  I work a stone's throw away from the Hudson River and have to drive over it every day.  As I go over the bridge the sun is setting in front of me. It is so beautiful this time of year and the sun is setting a little bit later every day which means that  spring is on it's way :)

 Photo courtesy of google images

A day with mom

Yesterday I got to spend the whole day with my mom.  We went out for an amazing breakfast at The American Pie Company in Sherman, Connecticut.

The banana fosters french toast I had was absolutely sinful!

Then there were the gigantic apricot mimosas!

 

We followed breakfast with a game of Super Scrabble (Congratulations on your win mom!)

and of course we drank tea  :)

Every once in a while a girl has to spend the day with her mom. I had a great day! Thanks Mom!

Donating

A couple of times a year the New York Blood Center uses our facility as a blood donor site.  I always hem and haw about whether or not to donate if I have time during my workday.  Today I donated.  I always feel so much better after I do.  You never know if or when you or a loved one will need a blood transfusion.  Find a donation site in your area and donate.  You will feel so much better after you do!........and they give you free cookies and juice :)

Simple Organization Ideas

What is it about the New Year that makes us want to get organized?  As wonderful as it is to put the Christmas tree up I love taking down all of the Christmas decorations and neatly tucking them away until next year.  Although I have a couple big organizing goals for the New Year, I think a few easy to do projects help to get you jump started.  These two are so simple and smart.  When I saw these two ideas I thought "Why didn't I think of that?"

Happy Organizing!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Photo Wreath

Before the holidays I saw this really cute photo wreath on Pinterest made by the crafting chicks here.

 Photo courtesy of Pinterest

My daughter Alison made this version for her grandparents for Christmas.

 

Good Job Ali!

Christmas Fun

I know it's a New Year but I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to Christmas.  We had such a wonderful time with family. So just give me today to look back on it, smile, and then I will move on with 2012.

There was lots of delicious food,

 and silly kids,

 

and cousins,

and more cousins

Our dog Abby in the middle of things,

 

,

and presents

 

 

and adorable grandchildren

 and awesome hugs,

and a couple of spidermen!

 Today I am thankful for my dear friend Sheryl who knows how to ring in the New Year!